USM Chemical Engineering Student Triumphs in Gen Bajet 2027 with Innovative AI Skills Portfolio Idea
26 August 2026 – A student from the School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Ahmad Huzairy Zaharuddin, 23, emerged as the champion of the Gen Bajet 2027 competition, showcasing an innovative idea aimed at empowering Malaysian youth through digital skills development and stronger industry connections.
The competition, held in Cyberjaya on 26 August 2026, brought together students from higher learning institutions to present ideas with the potential to be considered and incorporated into the Ministry of Finance's 2027 Budget proposal.
Empowering Youth Through Gen Bajet 2027
Gen Bajet 2027 was established as a platform for the younger generation to put forward fresh and innovative ideas, particularly those that could contribute towards the development and empowerment of the Bumiputera community.
According to Nik Nazree Nik Abdul Rahman, Section Director of the Strategic Service Unit, Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU), the competition provides an opportunity for ideas directly from young people to be captured and potentially integrated into the country's upcoming 2027 Budget.
The initiative demonstrates the importance of engaging youth in national policy discussions and providing them with opportunities to contribute ideas towards Malaysia's future socioeconomic development.
Huzairy Emerges as National Champion
A total of 10 finalists competed in the final stage of Gen Bajet 2027, with Ahmad Huzairy Zaharuddin ultimately being crowned the overall champion.
For his achievement, Huzairy received a RM5,000 cash prize, while Ahmad Muqri Johari Abdul Mukmin secured second place and received RM3,000. Ahmad Fariz Soon Muhammad Zulkifli Soon was placed third and received RM2,000.
The achievement represents a significant accomplishment for the School of Chemical Engineering, demonstrating that engineering students can contribute beyond their technical discipline by developing innovative solutions to broader societal and national challenges.
MySkill ID: Connecting Skills, Youth and Industry
Huzairy's winning proposal, entitled “MySkill ID – National Digital Asset Skills Account based on Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, focuses on developing a digital platform that could help young people build comprehensive portfolios based on their skills, training, experiences, and achievements. The proposed application aims to connect individuals with industries according to their skills and experience, providing a more systematic approach to career development and employment opportunities.
The concept involves integrating information from government-registered agencies and relevant training providers that offer skills development programmes. By consolidating these achievements into a single digital profile, individuals could establish a comprehensive portfolio to support their future career progression.
Innovation Beyond the Classroom
Huzairy's success highlights the importance of encouraging university students to look beyond conventional academic boundaries and apply their knowledge and creativity to real-world challenges.
His achievement also demonstrates how students from engineering backgrounds can contribute innovative perspectives to areas such as digital transformation, workforce development, artificial intelligence, and national policy.
The competition provided an important platform for young Malaysians to develop their presentation, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities while engaging with issues that directly affect the country's future.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Chemical Engineers
The School of Chemical Engineering extends its heartiest congratulations to Ahmad Huzairy Zaharuddin on his outstanding achievement in winning Gen Bajet 2027. His success is a reflection of the importance of creativity, initiative, and confidence in transforming ideas into solutions with potential societal impact.
The School hopes that this achievement will inspire current and future generations of Chemical Engineering students to pursue excellence not only in engineering and research but also in innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, and national development. Such achievements further reinforce USM's commitment to nurturing graduates who are capable of contributing meaningfully to the nation and taking on emerging challenges in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Text by: MHU
Photos: Anonymous